Ousmane Dembele is nearing the end of his contract with Barcelona, and is yet to agree to a new deal. Xavi has praised Dembele publicly on many occasions, and has also talked to the player personally about his future.
But, the Frenchman has not been offered a deal to his liking yet. As a result, he is attracting interest from foreign clubs for a potential transfer. Newcastle United are among the clubs interested in the winger, and will be in the market for him in January.
The Premier League club will be offering Barcelona €30 million for his services, with six months remaining on his current deal. However, he could also walk out for free when his contract expires in the summer.
Dembele has struggled with injuries since making the €135 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He made his first La Liga appearance of the season last night, making a brief appearance off the bench as Barcelona defeated Villarreal 3-1.
There is a place for Dembele in Xavi’s Barcelona since the former midfielder has a clear role cut out for wingers in his style of play. With no in-form wingers available, the manager has turned to teenagers Gavi and Ezzalzouli to hold down the wide positions.
Dembele, as a winger, has a position carved out for him in the team. But, he will have to pen a new deal with the Blaugrana first, if he is to carry on with them in the years to come.